Boardman students inducted into Italian NHS

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Neighbors | Submitted.Frank Lazzeri (left) and Ellie Sacco pose for a picture at Boardman High School's Italian National Honor Society induction ceremony May 16..

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Neighbors | Submitted.A select group of juniors from Boardman High School were inducted on May 16 into the Maria Montessori chapter of the Italian National Honor society. The Maria Montessori chapter is the only chapter of the Italian National Honor Society in Ohio. Pictured, from left, (front) are Megan Banks, Julia Lewis, Jessica Parillo; (back) Stefano Cocca, Michael Palagano, Douglas Kephart, Jordan Long, Nick Tancabel, Gino Beato and Santino Guerrieri. .

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Neighbors | Submitted .Boardman High School students stand to take the pledge as they are inducted into the Maria Montessori chapter of the Italian National Honor Society May 16.

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Neighbors | Submitted.Boardman High School hosted an induction ceremony May 16 for students who were selected as members of the Maria Montessori chapter of the Italian National Honor Society. Pictured is Frank Lazzeri , superintendent of Boardman schools hugging Steve Cocca, the 2014 honorary inductee as he receives his official pin and certificate..

A select group of juniors from Boardman High School were inducted on May 16 into the Maria Montessori chapter of the Italian National Honor society.

The Maria Montessori chapter is the only chapter of the Italian National Honor Society in Ohio. The chapter was started 17 years ago by faculty members who taught Italian. The advisory committee is made up of Maddalena Amero, MaryAnn Keifer, Liliana McElhaney, Ellie Sacco and retired teacher of Italian, Bernice Mazzella.

The senior Honor Society members run the induction. The senior members were proud to induct the junior members as well as the 2014 honorary member. The junior inductees were Megan Banks, Gino Beato, Stephanie DeMain, Dominic DiIullo, Cailin Downie, Santino Guerrieri, Douglas Kephart, Julia Lewis, Jordan Long, Michael Palagano, Jessica Parillo, Alexa Pasquale, Nicholas Tancabel and Nicole Zitello.

Stefano Cocca, owner of Cocca’s Pizza, was this year’s honorary member. Cocca spoke to the audience members about his youth as the son of Italian immigrants who were working hard to make a better life. He also credited Boardman High School for the education and guidance he received as a student.

All inductees received an official pin and certificate. This year also marked the retirement of Ellie Sacco, teacher of Italian and Spanish at BHS. The students presented her with flowers and congratulated her on her retirement.